Taxi service is plentiful and economical in Washington, D.C.. The minimum taxi fare is $3.25, and the mileage charge is $0.27 per 1/8 mile. The rate for additional passengers is $1.00, regardless of the number of additional passengers. Cabs for Maryland and Virginia can take passengers from DC to locations in their respective states but not to different locations within the city. For more information, please visit here.

Metrorail and Metrobus provide the safest, cleanest and most efficient way of getting around Washington, DC and the metropolitan suburbs. Five rail lines and an extensive bus system connect the District with the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Train lines are named for colors: Red, yellow, blue, green, and orange. Station entrances are marked by brown pylons, capped with the letter “M” and colored stripes indicate which lines are available.

Route maps are posted at each station and inside each subway car. Metrorail opens 5:30 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends. It closes at midnight Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, it stays open until 3 a.m. Each train displays the name of its farthest destination. Base subway fare is $1.35 and increases during rush hour and for longer trips. Rail farecards can be purchased at vending machines located inside the stations. Farecards are inserted into the turnstile gates to enter and exit subway platforms. The fare is automatically deducted each time you exit a station. To continue your trip by Metrobus, obtain a transfer at your originating station before boarding the train. Buses travel to Georgetown and other areas not serviced by the subway.

Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill. Here are a few tipping guidelines: Servers are usually given 15% of the bill. For outstanding service, tip 20%. Taxi drivers usually receive 15% of the fare, and doormen, skycaps and porters are usually tipped $1 per bag.

Many embassies offer guided tours with prior notification. Arrangements can also be made by some embassies to host meeting functions and private parties, offering an unmatched asset for any meeting planner. Embassy phone numbers are available by calling directory assistance at (202) 555-1212. A comprehensive listing of embassies is also available online at www.embassy.org.

Seeing Washington, D.C.

Tours of the White House have been expanded from school, youth, military and veterans' groups to include any groups of ten. Groups of ten should submit a request through their member of Congress at least one month and up to six months in advance. The tours are self-guided and will run from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call the White House Visitors Center at (202) 456-7041 or visit www.whitehouse.gov.

The US Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tours are given free of charge, although tickets are required and can be obtained the same day of the tour on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket distribution begins at 8:15 a.m. at First Street and Independence Avenue. Guided tours last approximately thirty minutes and are organized in groups of 40 people.

Most tourist attractions have airport style security screening and many items are prohibited. A general guide to avoiding security delays includes:

Avoid carrying large bags or backpacks. These will usually have to be checked, which can slow you down quite a bit.

Most venues allow you to carry (concealed) clear bottles of water, but all other types of drinks and food are often prohibited.

The increasingly familiar list of prohibited items at the airport is a good general guide to follow. If you have a specific question, it is always a good idea to check ahead of time with the venue you are planning to visit.